National Fudge Day

Fudge Day is a Delicious Holiday

June 16th is National Fudge Day. It's one of those little "silly", obscure holidays that comes and goes - without ever getting the proper recognition that it deserves. It's a day that we have permission to eat as much fudge as we want. Plain, sweet-sweet, chocolate fudge is my favorite.

Fudge lovers everywhere should be celebrating this day! It is not only a celebration of a sweet and delectable treat, but a celebration that a simple mistake can be heavenly.

Did you know it is believed that fudge was invented by mistake? That's right! It is believed that fudge made with chocolate was invented as a result of a "botched" batch of caramels, after the sugar accidentally recrystallized. That's where we got the expression, "Oh fudge!"

Fudge Becomes Popular

In 1888, Emelyn Hartridge, a student at Vassar College, introduced fudge to the all girl college. She made 30 pounds of the delicious confection for the Senior Auction. It was a big hit with the girls. Every year from that point, the girls passed on the recipe to new incoming students. Fudge parties became a popular occurrence at the college.

Fudge and the fudge parties became so popular, that in February of 1895, the Davenport Daily Tribune of Iowa printed an article about the tradition. They dubbed fudge as "Vassar chocolates". In addition, the article stated:

they are simply the most delicious edibles ever manufactured by a set of sweetmeat-loving girls.

The Origin of Fudge Revealed in a Letter

by Emelyn Battersby Hartridge

A letter written by Emelyn Battersby Hartridge was later found in the archives of Vassar. In the letter, Emelyn writes that she was first introduced to fudge in 1886 by a classmate's cousin. She states that her friend's cousin was making the fudge and selling it a little store in Baltimore, Maryland for 40 cents a pound. Emelyn was so impressed with the tasty treat, that she requested the recipe. She then used the recipe to make and sell the scrumptious candy at the Vassar College Senior Auction in 1888, as mentioned above.

Are You Going to Celebrate Fudge Day

Will you be eating fudge on June 16th in honor of National Fudge Day?

The Original Recipe

THE ORIGINAL RECIPE

From Emelyn B. Hartridge of Vassar College:

2 cups of granulated white sugar

1 cup of cream

2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon of butter

The sugar and cream were cooked over moderate heat. When the mixture became very hot, the chocolate was added. The mixture was stirred constantly and cooked until it reached soft-ball stage (234Â°-238Â°F). It was then removed from heat and the butter was added. After cooling slightly, it was mixed until it started to thicken. It was then placed in a buttered tin and cut into pieces before completely hardening.

THE WELLESLEY GIRL RECIPE

2 cups of granulated sugar

1 cup of heavy cream

2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon of butter

1/2 pound of marshmallows

The directions remained the same except they added marshmallows to the mixture along with the butter.

My Recipe

When I was in fourth grade, my grandmother gave me my first little cookbook. It was a little blue paperback book. It was designed for young girls. I remember this awesome fudge recipe that I used to make a lot. I used it quite frequently up until I moved out and bought my own home. I believe it was in a box that I never did unpack.

If my memory serves me correctly, I believe that it was the same recipe, except instead of "cream", it called for "condensed milk". It was absolutely the sweetest fudge I have ever had.

I have just recently moved again. I have got to find that box and find that book. I ABSOLUTELY NEED TO TASTE THAT FUDGE AGAIN!

Tell Me What You Think

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PaigSr

4 years agofrom State of Confussion

How can I celebrate fudge day? Isn't everyday fudge day? Or is that just in my little world? But seriously I had a friend that would bring in fudge to work. For some reason the coffee fudge always ended up with me. Not bad for the guy that made and cleaned up the coffee machine but didn't drink any.

Takkhis

4 years ago

That's great! I think I would try my best to celebrate it. Thanks for sharing!

caossquidoo

4 years ago

I loooove chocolate! But I did not know there was a fudge day :) Another way to celebrate chocolate :)

MaryRoseFitz

4 years ago

I have not heard about fudge day - I dont think it is celebrated in new Zealand where I live. Perhaps I can start it here!. Thanks for the recipes.

anonymous

4 years ago

I had no idea there is a National Fudge Day. Do we really need an excuse to eat fudge? I don't, but maybe I won't feel so guilty for having that extra piece (or two) on the National Fudge day!.

RHKnight

4 years ago

I can practically smell the chocolate fudge from this lens, mmm yummy. Will have to keep in mind this holiday.

Mary Norton

4 years agofrom Ontario, Canada

I love fudge so June 16 if I am in Canada, I will definitely go for one.

Belva Boggs

4 years ago

I'm ready to get some fudge! Cool lens.

Rob Hemphill

4 years agofrom Ireland

OMG! Just reading this and I've got withdrawal symptoms as I'm not supposed to eat this gorgeous stuff. I used to make it as a kid and sell it to friends, delicious.

SteveKaye

4 years ago

Fudge deserves its own food group. Yum!

Dawn

4 years agofrom Maryland, USA

Oh My Gosh! How'd I miss this lens??! yummmmmy. thank you for sharing.

ryokomayuka

4 years agofrom USA

My first job we made a lot of fudge. I have never heard of this before. interesting.

Rose Jones

4 years ago

Yummy lens, and again your research sets your lenses apart.

goldenrulecomics

4 years agofrom New Jersey

Nicely done!

Susan Hazelton

5 years agofrom Summerfield, Florida

I love fudge. This is one of my favorite little holidays.

CharlieAlford

5 years ago

My love of fudge was destiny. I am very happy to learn I was born on National Fudge Day lol

Lisa Auch

5 years agofrom Scotland

I LOVE Fudge! should be a special day Every day of the year for Fudge!!!

kburns421 lm

6 years ago

Darn, I missed the holiday by about a month. Ah well, you never need a reason to eat fudge anyway! Looks delicious.

bilafond lm

6 years ago

@hntrssthmpsn: And I live 7132 miles from the shop you are talking about :-) what to do ?

bilafond lm

6 years ago

Yummy, please do not post such yummy stuff ... no I am joking Hehehe. I will tell my daughter she would love this. Few extra calories I will accept every day. Good Lens Me. I have liked it.

hntrssthmpsn

6 years ago

Somehow I never manage to make fudge without burning myself, but we live about a 10-minute walk away from a candy shop that makes good fudge, and a 20-minute walk from a shop that makes GREAT fudge. I try to keep it down to once a week, lest I be forced to install custom doors to gain access to my home ;)

getmoreinfo

6 years ago

Fudge is one of my favorite treats.

Lenskeeper

6 years ago

I wish that I could celebrate Fudge Day every day of the year! :)

aliciamaggie54

6 years ago

This is interesting. Sounds good. Thank you for the recipe:) Have a great weekend:)

Wednesday-Elf

6 years agofrom Savannah, Georgia

I missed 'National Fudge Day' on Saturday this year, but as far as I'm concerned 'any day' can be 'Fudge Day'. Love it -- especially with lots of walnuts -- and even on ice cream as 'Hot Fudge Sauce'. Mmmmm!

BTW, I just published a page on National Candy Month (June) and I featured this lens.

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